At a noon march and news conference at the state Capitol in St. Paul, the Workers Interfaith Network called on the Minnesota Legislature and Governor Tim Pawlenty to adopt a fair state budget that invests in jobs and maintains vital public services.

“As you work toward a final budget resolution, some of us fear that we will lose our jobs,” WIN said in a letter to lawmakers. “Some of us fear that we will face increasing pressure to have our wages frozen. Some of us fear we will lose our health care . . .

“State government has a powerful role to play in helping workers keep their jobs and earn enough to feed themselves and their families. We seek bold action from you in these closing days of the session, bold action that will move us away from fear and toward hope, away from economic insecurity and toward justice.”

Later on Friday in Minneapolis, several hundred people marched down Lake Street in support of immigrant and worker rights.

“Participants are coming together to ask the new administration of President Obama to put an immediate stop to the raids and deportations,” organizers said. “Communities are demanding a clear and direct path to legalization for the millions of immigrant workers who are not only living in this country but who are also revitalizing local economies.

“Local activists and leaders will ask that the state of Minnesota pass a bill to ensure all immigrants have access to a drivers licenses. March attendants will also send a message asking legislators to support and pass the Employee Free Choice Act.”

May Day photos

Surrounded by members of the Workers Interfaith Network, Director Matt Gladue addressed a news conference on the steps of the state Capitol.

Among other goals, participants in the May Day march on Lake Street were seeking comprehensive and humane immigration reform.

Members of AFSCME Local 3800, representing clerical workers at the University of Minnesota, marched with their banner.